Liquid proof flat end container with reclosable pour spout

ABSTRACT

A liquid proof coated paperboard container having a flat end closure which can be opened exposing an inherent pouring spout having a unique closing arrangement including a central sonic seal and an edge heat seal with a release means provided between the two seals.

States Patent 1191 111 [11] 3,869,078 Braun 1 1 Mar. 4, 1975 1 LIQUID PROOF FLAT END CONTAINER 3,147,904 9/1964 Larson 229/51 TC 11TH RECLOSABLE POUR SPOUT 3,281,048 10/1966 Koltz 229/17 R [75] Inventor: Eric A. Braun, Northville, Mich. FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 73 Assigneel Ex Ce|| O Corporation9 Troy Mich. 701,031 12/1964 Canada .1 229/17 R [22] Flled: 1973 Primary E.raminerEdward J. McCarthy [21] Appl. No.: 425,915

[57] ABSTRACT [52] U.S. Cl. 229/17 R, 229/51 TC 51 1m. (:1 865d 5/72 A IDroof mated Paperboard Comm huvmg [58] Field of Search 229/17 R 51 AS, 5] D flat end closure which can be opened exposing an in- 229/5l TC 51 herent pouring spout having a unique closing arrangement including a central sonic seal and an edge heat [56] References Cited seal with a release means providled between the two UNITED STATES PATENTS seals' 3,081,927 3/1963 Hayhurst 229/17 B 9 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures Pm'EmEn wms SHEEI 2 OF 4 FlC5.5

FIG.9

LIQUID PROOF FLAT END CONTAINER WITH RECLOSABLE POUR SPOUT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to coated paperboard containers having flat end closures with a hidden pouring spout which can be moved to an open position and the pouring spout can be reclosed for protective storage.

2. Description of Prior Art It is known in this art to use flat end closures with reclosable pouring spouts and gable top end closures with reclosable pouring spouts. Flat end containers with an inherent pouring spout have been known but have not received wide commercial use; an example of this type container is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,147,904. Gable top containers with an inherent pouring spout have been known and have had wide commercial use; an example of this type container is illustrated in US. Pat. No. 3,270,940.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a coated paperboard container is provided with an end closure having full outer and partial inner roof panels extending over the container end as external members and two triangular panel members, each having a pair of fold back panels connecting them to the said roof panels, which are positioned under the roof panels in the closed position. Sealing is provided for at two locations. A first sealing area is a sonic seal at the central area and a second sealing area is a heat seal between the free edge of the full outer roof panel and a connected edge of the partial inner roof panel.

A separation means in the form of a perforation line or lines is provided between the first sealing area or the sonic seal and the second sealing area or the heat seal. When the contents of the container are to be dispensed, the perforation is broken which permits the central sealing area to stand-up disclosing the pouring spout. The pouring spout can be opened similar to the standard gable top containers presently commercially available.

A BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a layout view of the inside surface of a container blank from which a liquid proof flat end container encompasses the principles of the present invention is formed.

FIG. 2 is a layout view of the outside surface of a container structure after it is side seamed from the container blank illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the side seam blank illustrated in FIG. 2 in an open ended view prior to the closing of a flat end closure feature of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank of FIG. 3 in a partially closed condition.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 with the sealing panels in position to permit sonic sealing of the central area providing a liquid proof seal for the container.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank similar to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 after the central area has been sonically sealed and the securing strip of the outer roof panel has been heat sealed to the connecting edge of the inner roof panel providing a flat end liquid proof container.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank similar to FIG. 6 with the opening strip being partly removed.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container blank similar to FIG. 7 after the opening strip has been removed.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank similar to FIG. 81 with the container in its opened condition.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank similar to FIG. 9 after the opening has been reclosed.

FIG. 11 is a partial layout view of the inside surface of a container blank illustrating a top member similar to FIG. 1 illustrating an abhesive pattern on the pouring panels of the pouring spout.

FIG. 12 is a partial layout view of the inside surface of a container blank similar to FIG. 1 illustrating an opening strip that extends only partially across the outer roof panel.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of a flat endclosure container fabricated from the container blank shown in FIG. 12 and illustrates the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank of FIG. 13 with the opening strip partly removed.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container blank similar to FIG. 14 after the opening strip has been removed.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank similar to FIGS. 14 and 15 with the container in an open pouring position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrating the container blank with the flat end closure in its reclosed position.

FIG. 18 is a partially fragmentary perspective view showing a container blank with an opening strip similar to the strip illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 by having a continuous contact with the outer roof panel so that once the strip passes the perforation forming the pouring spout separation, the opening strip will remain with the container.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the container blank similar to the container blank of FIG. 6 but with a single perforated line extending the length of the outer roof panel and a second perforated line running parallel with it for short distance to facilitate initial opening.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a container blank with an opening notch with a single perforated line extending the length of the outer roof panel and similar to the container structure shown in FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring generally to the Figures, there is disclosed a container blank 10. The blank is generally divided into three sections, flat end closure, body portion 12 and end closure 13. Horizontal score line 14 extends across the container blank 10 and separates flat end closure 11 and body portion 12. Horizontal score line 15 extends across container 10 and separates end closure 13 and body portion 12. Body portion 12 has body panels 16, 17, 18 and 19 and side seam flap 20. The container blank is defined on its sides by edges 21 and 22. The container blank 10 is further defined by vertical score lines 23, 24, 25, and 26.

End closure 13 has external closure panels 27 and 29 which extend from body panels 16 and 18, respectively. Triangular closure panels 28, and 30 are part of end closure 13 and extend from body panels 17 and 19, respectively. Triangular closure panel 28 is defined by score line and score lines 35 and 36. Triangular closure panel 28 is connected to external closure panels 27 and 29 by fold back panels 33 and 34. Triangular closure panel 30 is defined by score line 15 and score lines 39 and 40. Fold back panels 37 and 38 connect triangular closure panel 30 to external close panel 29 and side seam flap 20. As will be discussed in more detail hereafter, the side seam flap will be connected to full closure panel.27 placing fold back panel 38 adjacent to external closure panel 27 in the constructed container.

External closure panel 27 has a tuck-in flap 31 and external closure panel 29 has a tuck-out flap 32. The closure feature of the end closure 13 is discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,498,524 issued on Mar. 3, 1970 and US. Pat. No. 3,120,335 issued on Feb. 4, 1964 and these are made reference here as part of present disclosure.

Flat end closure 11 is provided with an outer roof panel 41 and an inner roof panel 43 which are connected to body panel members 16 and 18, respectively. A triangular spout panel 42 and a triangular closure panel 44 are connected to body panels 17 and 19, respectively. A staggard horizontal score line 46 extends substantially parallel to horizontal score lines 14 and 15, and extends from edge 21 to vertical score line 26.

The outer roof panel 41 is divided in basically two parts, by the horizontal score line 46. A lower portion is called a closure panel 47 and is defined by score lines 23, 46, and 14, and edge 21. An opening assist score line 49 extends substantially from the intersection of score line 14 and score line 23 to a point on score line 46 closer to score line 23 than to edge 21. An upper portion of the outer roof panel 41 as viewed in FIG. 1 has basically three elements; namely, a sealing panel 51, an opening strip 53 and a securing strip 54. The opening strip 53 is separated from the sealing panel 51 and the securing strip 54 by perforated score lines 57 and 58, respectively.

The inner roof panel 43 is divided into two parts by the score line 46. A closure panel 60 is provided between horizontal score lines 46 and 14 and vertical score lines 24 and 25. An opening assist score line 61 runs from the intersection of score line 14 and 24 to a point on score line 46. Said intersection on score line 46 is closer to score line 24 than score line and is substantially the same distance from score line 24 as opening assist score line 49 is from score line 23 along score line 46.

The triangular spout panel 42 is connected to fold back panels 63 and 64 by score lines 65 and 66, respectively. Fold back panels 63 and 64 connect the triangular spout panel 42 to closure panels 47 and 60, respectively. Pouring panels 68 and 69 are connected to the fold back panels 63 and 64, respectively, and are connected to each other by a score line 70.

Triangular closure panel 44 is connected to fold back panel 73 and 74 by score line 75 and 76, respectively.

The fold back panel 73 and 74 connect triangular closure panel 44 to closure panel 60 and side seam flap 20, respectively. Closure panels 78 and 79 are connected to the fold back panels 73 and 74, respectively, and to each other by score line 80.

The container blank 10 is formed into a side seam blank as illustrated in FIG. 2 by having body panel 19 and side seam flap 20 rotated as a unit about score line 25 and having the inside surfaces of body panel 19 come in contact with the inside surface of body panel 18 and score line 26 positioned next to score line 24 and having the inside surface of side seam flap 20 contacting the inside surface of body panel 17 adjacent to score line 24. Then the body panel 16 is rotated about score line 23 so that its inside surface comes in contact with the inside surface of body panel 17. The inside surface of body panel 16 along edge 21 comes in contact with the outside surface of side seam flap 20 and the edge 21 is substantially positioned parallel and aligned with score line 26. The associated members with the flat end closure 11 and the end closure 13 will make similar movements and the container will appear as illustrated in FIG. 2. The blank 10 is side seamed where the inside area of body panel 16 comes into contact with the outside surface of side seam flap 20.

When the side seam blank 100 is ready to be formed into a container, it is opened up in a squared condition as illustrated in FIG. 3. The end closure 13- is formed in a manner well known in the art and discussed in the above mentioned cited patent references. Basically, triangular closure panels 28 and 30 are moved about score line 15 toward the middle of the container. Fold back panels 33-34 and 37-38 rotate about score lines 35-36 and 39-40, respectively and have their outside surfaces come in contact with the outside surfaces of triangular closure panels 28 and 30. At the same time, external closure panels 27 and 29 are moving towards each other. The tuck in flap 31 of external closure panel 27 will be positioned between the inside surfaces of external closure panel 29 and fold back panels 34 and 37. The various portions will be heat sealed forming a liquid type bottom structure.

Viewing FIGS. 3 through 6, a side seam blank 100 is positioned in a squared off condition ready for filling and sealing. After the end closure 13 is formed as stated above and a product has been put in the container, the various score lines will be folded so as to form the pouring end structure or flat end closure 11. The triangular spout panel 42 will be moved around score line 14 over the end of the container and towards its center. At the same time, triangular closure panel 44 will be moved toward the middle of the container about horizontal score line 14.

The outside surfaces of pouring panels 68 and 69 will be rotated towards each other about score line 70. The closure panels 78 and 79 will have their outside surfaces rotated towards each other about score line 80. The inside surfaces of pouring panel 69 and closure panel 78 will come in contact with sealing panel 62. The inside surface of pouring panel 68 and closure panel 79 will come in contact with sealing panel 51.

As viewed in FIG. 4, the above mentioned elements are coming to a position at an angle to the end of body portion 12. In some embodiments, the sealing of these various elements occurs basically between the pouring panels 68 and 69 and closure panels 78 and 79 with the sealing panels 51 and 62 and will take place above and below the top edges of the panels 68, 69 and 78 and 79 between the various layers providing liquid tight seal. In the preferred embodiment, this will be accomplished by sonic sealing means. As found in these applications the sonic sealing gives a liquid tight seal and an easy opening feature.

After the sealing has been accomplished as just explained, the securing strip 54 can have its inside surface heated so it can be heat sealed to the edge portion of closure panel 60 where it acts along score line 14, as readily viewed in FIG. 6. The container has now been formed by having end closure 13 sealed and a product put into the container and the flat end closure 11 closed and sealed. The sonic sealing portion has central sealing rib 82 and the securing strip 54 has a heat sealed outer sealing rib 84. The perforated score lines 57 and 58 are now located in position between the central sealing rib $2 and outer sealing rib 84.

When the consumer wishes to dispense the contents of the container, a tip 86 on the opening strip 53 is raised and the paperboard is ruptured along the perforated score lines 57 and 58 as viewed in FIG. 7. After the opening strip 53 has been removed, as shown in FIG. 8, the container is ready for opening. The central sealing rib 92 will tend to be turned upwards as viewed in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the consumer will place his thumbs on the edges of score lines 23 and 24 moving the fold back panels 63 and 64 upward causing the closure panels 47 and 60 to have their ends adjacent the pouring spout rotating about opening assist score lines 419 and 61 which as earlier stated are pushed closer to score lines 23 and 24, respectively, then to the edge 21 and score line 25, respectively. This pushing will cause a popping action or a pulling action to pull the triangular spout angle 42 out of its closed position so that it can be extended in a pouring or dispensing position as viewed in FIG. 9. The container can be reclosed by moving the triangular spout panel 42 back toward its original position and when this is accomplished, the container would be viewed as illustrated in FIG. 10.

In some application, it may be desirable to have a print on abhesive material at the open portion of the sealed portion. A desirable abhesive pattern 102 is illustrated and can best be viewed in FIG. 11. A wax based material is found to give satisfactory results for such an application.

Referring generally to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a top structure similar to the above mentioned preferred embodiment. The opening strip is designated as 53a and is provided with perforated score lines 58a and 57a. A cut member 59 is provided connecting the perforated score lines 57a and 58a. A perforated score line 91 is provided on sealing panel 51a connecting perforated score line 57a to score line 46. A perforated score line 92 is provided on sealing panel 62a and will be aligned with perforated score line 91 when the container is formed and closed as illustrated in FIG. 13. To open the container, the tip 86a is raised and pulled back rupturing the perforated score lines 58a and 57a, see FIG. M, and when it reaches the cut member 59, the opening strip 53a can be removed and thrown away, see FIG. 115. The spout half of the container will then be available for opening and the forward portion of the central sealing strip 82 can be raised through the 6 assistance of perforated score lines 91 and 92 and the container pour spout will be opened, see FIG. 16, and

closed, see FIG. 17, in a similar manner as the earlier embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 18 illustrating another embodiment of the pres ent invention encompasses the principles of this invention quite similar to the illustration of FIG. 14. However, the perforated score lines 58a and 57a are not connected by a cut member 59. After the opening strip 53b has been moved past the perforated score lines 91 and 92, the pouring half of the central sealing rib 82a can be raised so the pouring spout may be opened to facilitate dispersing of the product. The opening strip 53b will be retained by the container and not utilized or thrown away.

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of the present invention and this embodiment we have a single full perforated score line 570. Here we have the tip 86c with a short perforated score line 58c. The consumer must start raising the tip 860 just enough to start the rupture along score line 57c. After it is started, the opener may move this rupture all the way across the container permitting opening and closing similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. The principles of the present invention are illustrated by having a single full perforated score line 57d and a notch defined by an angled cut line and score line 57d. The consumer can open the container by lifting the leading edge of the central sealing rib 82d adjacent the notch causing the perforated score line 57d to rupture its full length. The container will then be in condition to be opened and closed similar to the steps illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention herein disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change.

What is claimed is:

1. In a paperboard container, the combination, comprising:

a. a tubular body having a fiat end closure thereon;

b. said end closure overlying said body, and including first and second triangular panel members folded flat over the end of said body, and a pair of rectangular shaped panels defined as inner and outer roof panels which are folded over said triangular panel members;

c. each of said triangular panel members are flanked by a pair of fold back panels which join them to said inner and outer roof panels;

d. first and second pouring panels as part of said fold back panels flanking said first triangular panel;

e. first and second closure panels as part of said fold back panels flanking said second triangular panel;

f. a central sealing rib including; said inner and outer roof panels, said first and second pouring panels and said first and second closure panels;

g. an outer sealing rib sealing the edge area of said outer roof panel to said inner roof panel; and

h. an opening means positioned between said central sealing rib and said outer sealing rib.

2. A paperboard container as defined in claim I having in combination:

a. said opening means having a pair of perforated lines extending across said outer roof panel.

7 8 3. A paperboard container as defined in claim 2 havextend more than half way across said outer roof ing in combination: panel; and

a. an opening strip formed between said perforated b. a second perforated line positioned substantially score lines, and perpendicular to and starting from said first perfoa lift p at one end of Said Opening p- 5 rated line and extending across said central sealing 4. A paperboard container as defined in claim I having in fombination: 8. A paperboard container as defined in claim 7 hava. said opening means having a perforated line exing in combination:

tending across Sald 9 roof a. a third perforated line as part of said opening A paperboard container as defined m clalm 4 10 means and extending parallel to and starting at the ing in combination:

a. a out line on said outer roof panel and extending from a side edge of said outer roof panel to said perforated line.

6. A paperboard container as defined in claim 4 hav- 1 ing in combination:

a. a second perforated line substantially parallel with said first perforated line; and

b. said second perforated line starts at a side edge of same edge of said outer roof panel as said first perforated line.

9. A paperboard container as defined in claim 8 having in combination:

a. a cut line connecting the ends of said first and third perforated lines;

b. said second perforated line contacting said first perforated line between its starting end and said said outer roof panel and extends partially across cut f i and said outer roof panel. c. the distance from said starting end of said first per- 7. A paperboard container as defined in claim I havf r te line and said second perforated line is ing in combination: greater than the height of said first triangular panel a. said opening means having a first perforated line member.

starting at a side edge of said outer roof panel and 

1. In a paperboard container, the combination, comprising: a. a tubular body having a flat end closure thereon; b. said end closure overlying said body, and including first and second triangular panel members folded flat over the end of said body, and a pair of rectangular shaped panels defined as inner and outer roof panels which are folded over said triangular panel members; c. each of said triangular panel members are flanked by a pair of fold back panels which join them to said inner and outer roof panels; d. first and second pouring panels as part of said fold back panels flanking said first triangular panel; e. first and second closure panels as part of said fold back panels flanking said second triangular panel; f. a central sealing rib including said inner and outer roof panels, said first and second pouring panels and said first and second closure panels; g. an outer sealing rib sealing the edge area of said outer roof panel to said inner roof panel; and h. an opening means positioned between said central sealing rib and said outer sealing rib.
 2. A paperboard container as defined in claim 1 having in combination: a. said opening means having a pair of perforated lines extending across said outer roof panel.
 3. A paperboard container as defined in claim 2 having in combination: a. an opening strip formed between said perforated score lines, and b. a lift tip at one end of said opening strip.
 4. A paperboard container as defined in claim 1 having in combination: a. said opening means having a perforated line extending across said outer roof panel.
 5. A paperboard container as defined in claim 4 having in combination: a. a cut line on said outer roof panel and extending from a side edge of said outer roof panel to said perforated line.
 6. A paperboard container as defined in claim 4 having in combination: a. a second perforated line substantially parallel with said first perforated line; and b. said second perforated line starts at a side edge of said outer roof panel and extends partially across said outer roof panel.
 7. A paperboard container as defined in claim 1 having in combination: a. said opening means having a first perforated line starting at a side edge of said outer roof panel and extend more than half way across said outer roof panel; and b. a second perforated line positioned substantially perpendicular to and starting from said first perforated line and extending across said central sealing rib.
 8. A paperboard container as defined in claim 7 having in combination: a. a third perforated line as part of said opening means and extending parallel to and starting at the same edge of said outer roof panel as said first perforated line.
 9. A paperboard container as defined in claim 8 having in combination: a. a cut line connecting the ends of said first and third perforated lines; b. said second perforated line contacting said first perforated line between its starting end and said cut line; and c. the distance from said starting end of said first perforated line and said second perforated line is greater than the height of said first triangular panel member. 